Can one one of you really knowledgeable types kindly tell me whether the FOKOS rangefinder comes with a foot attached or is it a separate item. I want to fit one to a Standard. Is this a case rather like a Mooly where the motor can be obtained but the lever is usually missing?

-- Tony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), March 01, 2002

Answers

The FOKOS name is applied to more than one Leitz short base rangefinder (excluding here the FOKUS model made for Speed Graphic). The pre-war type is the version you need to look for, as it was designed with the standard in mind. This type, which is available in black or chrome has a pillar which fits into a special shoe, and can be swivelled out of the way when changing shutter speeds. Denis Laney, in his "Collectors Guide" says the pillar fits into "a special clip supplied with the standard". The big Hasbroeck volume merely notes the swivelling shoe but gives no more details as to whether it was supplied with the camera or with the FOKOS itself.

There is also a later post-war version of the SBR with no pillar, and which is designed to be mounted vertically on the Ic, If, and Ig models for which it was intended.

Hope this is of some help.

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), March 01, 2002.

Tim.. Thank you indeed for a very clear explanation. Fortunately I have the clip, so I need to find either a complete pre-war FOKOS or simply one without its clip but which is for a standard.

-- Tony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), March 01, 2002.

I was given an old 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Graphic which has a Leica rangefinder on it. This model of rangefinder has a smooth round pilar on it which slips into a fitting screwed onto the camera.

I've always wondered how this model differs from those used on Leica cameras, if indeed it does differ. Apparently this is is a FOKUS vs. a FOKOS? Any further comments on my rangefinder will certainly be appreciated.

-- Tom (therbert@miami.edu), March 01, 2002.

Tom, According to Hasbroeck there is no difference between rangefinders made by Leitz for the Leica and those they produced for many different other cameras.

In order to avoid the problems of recalibrating due to the differences, these other models were engraved with a plus sign and number to indicate the distance that had to be added to obtain a correct reading.

I've taken a keener interest in these items since buying a black FOFER long base model to fix to my 0-serie repro. :o)

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), March 01, 2002.